Parries are simple, direct, when they are made in the same line as the attack.
They are circular (counter-parries) when they are made in the opposite line to the attack.
The parry gives the right to riposte in foil and sabre: the simple riposte may be direct or indirect, but to annul any subsequent action by the attacker, it must be executed immediately, without indecision or delay (cf. t.57 Respect of the fencing phrase: Foil, t.79 Respect of the fencing phrase: Sabre).
